How To | Example GPIO Configuration for Fire Alarm Relay with Digital TTL

Updated at March 28th, 2024

Procedure


Many installations include safety requirements for a system-wide mute when a fire alarm is triggered. In the case of Q-SYS installations, this is typically accomplished using GPIO available on our Cores and/or I/O endpoints. 

The steps below describe common settings for a system using Digital TTL relays.

  1. Add GPIO-input into your design for your connected device.
  2. Assign the GPIO input property to digital input (this will trigger the relay).
  3. Wire the GPIO digital input to the system mute control pin. 

The first example shows a system with a low output when the alarm is off.

Depending on the triggering system, the output may be high when the alarm is in an off state. In this situation, a “logic not” will be needed as shown below.

Note

Regarding Fire Marshal code interpretation and standard accepted implementations, the levels of fail safes, etc. can vary by region, municipality, or individual AHJ.